Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast braids Roman ruins, Venetian facades, and clear Adriatic coves into a coastline made for slow mornings and salty afternoons. From Diocletian’s 1,700-year-old palace in Split to Dubrovnik’s city walls, this route threads world-class history with island rhythms and seafood that tastes like the sea.

With more than 1,200 islands and islets, Croatia is paradise for boat days—think sapphire inlets, cave swims, and sun-warmed stone villages. Film fans know Dubrovnik as King’s Landing; sailors chase the Blue Cave beyond Hvar; hikers climb Marjan Hill for sunset over Split’s terracotta roofs.

Practical notes: Croatia uses the euro and joined the Schengen Area in 2023; English is widely spoken. Ferries are frequent in summer but book ahead, and restaurants fill quickly in July–September. Expect Mediterranean flavors—grilled fish, olive oil, truffles, and local wines like Pošip and Plavac Mali—served in “konobas” (taverns) that guard recipes like heirlooms.

Split

Split is a living Roman palace by the sea. Emperor Diocletian retired here in 305 CE, and his limestone complex still beats as the city’s core—alleyways, cafes, and homes threaded through ancient columns and sphinxes brought from Egypt.

Beyond the walls, the Riva promenade hums with espresso and sailboats, while Marjan Hill rises green behind the old town. Beaches arc along the coast—from sandy Bačvice (yes, sand in Croatia!) to pine-backed Kašjuni—perfect after a morning of history.

How to get to Split (SPU):

• Flights within Europe: search and book via Omio. Typical fares from major hubs run €60–€200; airport to old town is ~35 minutes by shuttle or taxi.
• Flights from outside Europe: compare routes via Trip.com.
• Overland from Zagreb: train or bus (~6–7 hours). Check times and tickets on Omio Trains or Omio Buses.
• Island ferries (Hvar, Brač, Vis): daily catamarans—see Omio Ferries.

Where to stay in Split:

• Browse apartments and villas: VRBO Split | Hotels: Hotels.com Split
• Hotel Park Split — Belle Époque grande dame near Bačvice, elegant rooms and a classic terrace.
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split — contemporary seaside stay with pools and spa; easy beach access.
• Design Hostel Goli & Bosi — playful design steps from the palace.
• Hostel Split Backpackers — social, central, budget-friendly.

Day 1: Arrive in Split, meet the Roman palace

Morning: Travel to Split. If you arrive early, fuel up at D16 Coffee for specialty espresso and a simple croissant just inside the palace’s walls.

Afternoon: Check in, then step into Diocletian’s Palace via the Golden Gate. Cross the Peristyle courtyard and climb the bell tower of St. Domnius (about €10; superb harbor views). Wander the subterranean cellars—once storage, now artisan stalls—and find the black granite sphinx Diocletian shipped from Egypt.

Evening: Dinner at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine—Dalmatian flavors with a modern touch; try the octopus salad and homemade pasta. For a snug, local dinner, Villa Spiza serves whatever looked best at market that morning (arrive early; tiny). Nightcap at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, a bookish, candlelit spot in a 15th‑century house.

Day 2: Blue Cave and Hvar—5 Islands speedboat adventure (all day)

Spend a full day chasing blues and coves on an island-hopping excursion. You’ll skim to the luminous Blue Cave (weather-dependent entry), swim at Stiniva Bay on Vis, pause at the Green Cave or Budikovac’s lagoon, and toast Hvar Town’s Venetian squares before cruising home.

Blue Cave and Hvar Tour - 5 Islands Tour from Split and Trogir

Tips: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light jacket for wind, and cash for cave entry when applicable. Back in Split, grab seafood at Konoba Fetivi (grilled Adriatic fish, black cuttlefish risotto) or casual cevapi at Kantun Paulina if you crave street-food comfort.

Day 3: Markets, Marjan Hill, and the Blue Lagoon

Morning: Coffee on the Riva at Brasserie on 7, then browse the Green Market (Pazar) for figs and fresh cheese. Walk to the Varoš neighborhood and climb Marjan Hill via the Teraca Vidilica viewpoint café—classic red roofs and islands beyond.

Afternoon: Swim at Kašjuni Beach (pebbly, backed by pines), or take a half-day speedboat to the Blue Lagoon for crystalline water and a Trogir stop—great if you prefer a shorter boat day than yesterday’s epic.

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Small-Group Speedboat Tour

Evening: Dinner at Uje Oil Bar—order a flight of Croatian olive oils with warm bread, then slow-braised pašticada (beef) with gnocchi. For wine, Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar pours Croatian varietals; end with gelato at Luka Ice Cream & Cakes (pistachio is a favorite).

Dubrovnik

Encircled by 2 km of stone, Dubrovnik is a maritime republic made of marble lanes, Baroque churches, and a harbor that once traded silver for silk. The city walls are among Europe’s finest—walk them and you understand centuries of resilience.

Beyond the Old Town, kayaks trace the cliffs, cable cars rise to Mount Srđ, and the Elaphiti Islands promise olive groves and sandy coves. Yes, it’s King’s Landing, but it’s also a living city—especially at dawn when Stradun glows and the swifts are the only crowds.

Split → Dubrovnik (morning transfer on Day 4):

• Bus via Pelješac Bridge: ~3.5–4.5 hours, usually €20–€35. Book on Omio Buses.
• Catamaran ferry (seasonal): ~4–4.5 hours, ~€35–€50. Check Omio Ferries.
• Flight: ~45 minutes, fares often €40–€120. See Omio Flights (within Europe).

Where to stay in Dubrovnik:

• Browse apartments and villas: VRBO Dubrovnik | Hotels: Hotels.com Dubrovnik
• Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik — classic address with sea views of the walls; easy walk to the Old Town.
• Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel — resort comforts on the Babin Kuk peninsula.
• Valamar Club Dubrovnik — good for families, pools and beach access.
• Hostel Angelina Old Town — budget base within the city walls.

Day 4: Travel to Dubrovnik and walk the walls

Morning: Depart Split by bus or ferry (see options above). Grab a bakery burek (cheese-filled pastry) for the road.

Afternoon: Drop bags, then circle Dubrovnik’s city walls (allow 1.5–2 hours; ticket around €35). Start at Pile Gate for sweeping views of terracotta roofs and the Adriatic. Coffee at Cogito (beautifully roasted, tucked in a stone lane).

Evening: Sunset aperitif at Buža Bar, a cliffside hideaway through a “hole in the wall.” Dinner at Proto (est. 1886; classic seafood—try the shrimp buzara) or at Pantarul outside the Old Town for seasonal plates and warm service. Gelato at Peppino’s (inventive flavors like salty caramel with almonds).

Day 5: Sea kayaking, Srđ views, and King’s Landing stories

Morning: Paddle beneath the city walls on a guided kayak trip with snorkeling stops and views of Lokrum Island. It’s the most refreshing way to see Dubrovnik’s cliffs up close.

Dubrovnik: Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour

Afternoon: Ride the cable car to Mount Srđ (return ticket ~€27–€30) for postcard views; visit the Homeland War Museum in the Napoleonic fort for context. Light lunch at Barba (fast-casual seafood—octopus burger or fried sardines with lemon).

Evening: Join a guided stroll to Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones locations—Fort Lovrijenac, Jesuit Staircase, and more—peppered with behind-the-scenes stories.

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour

For dinner, reserve 360 Dubrovnik (Michelin-star; contemporary tasting menus on the ramparts) or Taj Mahal (Bosnian comfort classics—begova čorba soup, slow-cooked veal). Nightcap at D’Vino Wine Bar to sample Dalmatian reds like Plavac Mali.

Day 6: Quiet corners and farewell

Morning: Early stroll on Stradun before day-trippers arrive. Visit War Photo Limited—rotating exhibitions that add depth to the region’s recent history. Breakfast at Gradska Kavana Arsenal with a harbor view; order the airy almond cake if you spot it.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping for olive oil and lavender. Light lunch—black risotto at Kopun on the square behind the cathedral—then depart for the airport. If your flight’s later, ferry to Lokrum for a quick swim among peacocks and pines.

Local dining cheat sheet (save these for gaps): Split—breakfast at Kavana Procaffe; lunch at Šug (modern Dalmatian stews), Uje Oil Bar; drinks at Leopold’s (craft beer). Dubrovnik—lunch “under the peka” (slow-cooked lamb or octopus; pre-order) at Konoba Dubrava above town; sweets at Pasticceria Peppino; espresso at Café Festival on Stradun.

Why this Croatia itinerary works: Two bases minimize packing while maximizing variety—Roman palaces, island-hopping, medieval walls, cliffside kayaking. Travel between cities is straightforward, and every day balances big sights with local flavors, leaving space for swims and serendipity.

Alternative/add-on ideas: If you have extra time, bolt on a day to the Elaphiti Islands cruise from Dubrovnik or a winery drive on Pelješac for oyster tasting and Dingač reds. Spring and fall bring gentler crowds and warm seas—arguably the coast at its best.

Summary: In six days, you’ll trace Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast from Split’s living Roman palace to Dubrovnik’s storied walls, punctuated by boat days, cliff views, and meals that taste of olive groves and the Adriatic. It’s a compact route rich in history, sunshine, and the easy cadence of seaside life.